If you're searching for a community that combines small-town charm with an outdoorsy lifestyle — where hiking trails, lakes, and a walkable downtown are part of your daily routine — Milford and Highland Township deserve a spot at the top of your list. These neighboring Oakland County communities offer something that's increasingly rare in metro Detroit's outer suburbs: an authentic connection to nature paired with genuine community character and strong property values.

As a Mid-Michigan REALTOR® who has helped buyers find homes across Oakland County for over a decade, I've watched Milford and Highland steadily grow in popularity — particularly among buyers who prioritize outdoor recreation, quality schools, and a lifestyle that doesn't revolve around a highway interchange.

Milford: A Trail Town with Downtown Character

The Village of Milford, with a population of roughly 6,400 in the surrounding township, has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Oakland County's most walkable and community-oriented villages. The downtown area, centered along Main Street and North Street, features a curated mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and gathering places that give the town a distinct personality.

You'll find places like the Milford House for casual dining, the Huron Valley Public Library for community programming, and a collection of boutiques and specialty stores that make shopping local feel less like an obligation and more like a pleasure. The village hosts events throughout the year — from the Milford Memories summer festival to seasonal farmers markets — that bring residents together and create the kind of community bonds that new developments simply can't manufacture.

The Milford Trail System

What truly sets Milford apart is its trail system. The village has invested heavily in creating a connected network of paved and natural-surface trails that wind through the community and connect to the larger regional trail system. The Milford Trail, spanning approximately 3.5 miles, links the downtown area to residential neighborhoods and provides a car-free corridor for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

For trail enthusiasts, the real prize is Milford's proximity to Kensington Metropark. This 4,481-acre Wayne County Metropark sits just minutes from downtown and offers over 16 miles of trails, including paved paths for biking, horseback riding trails, and nature trails that loop around Kent Lake. The park also features a beach, two golf courses, a farm center with seasonal activities, a nature center, and year-round programming for families. In winter, the trails become a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Huron Valley Trail, part of the larger regional network, also passes through the area, connecting Milford to Walled Lake, Commerce, and points southeast. For buyers who prioritize an active lifestyle, this connectivity is a major draw — you can leave your car in the garage and access miles of trails directly from your neighborhood.

Highland Township: Rural Character, Lake Country

Highland Township, with a population of approximately 19,000, sits just north and west of Milford and offers a different but complementary character. Where Milford is village-oriented and walkable, Highland is more spread out — a rural-suburban mix of tree-lined roads, lakefront properties, horse farms, and larger lots that appeal to buyers who want space without sacrificing proximity to amenities.

Highland is home to more than 25 lakes, making it one of Oakland County's premier lake communities. Many of these lakes — including Duck Lake, commerce Lake, and Dunham Lake — offer a mix of recreational opportunities from swimming and boating to fishing and kayaking. Lakefront properties range from cozy seasonal cottages to year-round estates, and the lake lifestyle is deeply embedded in the community's identity.

The township also has a strong equestrian community, with numerous horse farms and riding trails. For buyers who own horses or are drawn to the equestrian lifestyle, Highland offers a rare combination of acreage, riding-accessible terrain, and proximity to Oakland County's urban amenities. Highland Recreation Area, a 7,800-acre state recreation area, adds to the outdoor appeal with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and a beach on Duck Lake.

Highland's downtown area along Milford Road and Highland Road features a growing number of restaurants, shops, and service businesses, along with community gathering spaces. The township has been deliberate about managing growth to preserve its rural character while accommodating new development that complements the existing community.

Housing Market: What Buyers Can Expect

The Milford and Highland housing market reflects the area's desirability. As of mid-2026, median sale prices in Milford have generally ranged from approximately $335,000 to $425,000 depending on inventory and property type, while Highland Township properties — particularly lakefront and acreage listings — can command higher prices.

Housing options in the area are diverse:

Village of Milford homes: Charming older homes near downtown, many with mature trees and classic Michigan character, alongside newer construction in surrounding subdivisions.
Lakefront properties: Both communities offer lakefront homes on Oakland County's numerous inland lakes — ranging from entry-level cottages to luxury estates with private docks and waterfront access.
Acreage and rural properties: Highland Township is particularly attractive for buyers seeking larger lots, horse properties, or homes with acreage. Lots of 2–5+ acres are common.
Subdivision homes: Newer subdivisions in both communities offer modern construction with community amenities like parks, playgrounds, and trail access.

The market in this area can be competitive, especially for well-priced lakefront properties and homes in sought-after neighborhoods near the trail system. Buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move quickly tend to have the best outcomes. For a detailed look at how pricing and inventory compare across Oakland County, see our market statistics and trends.

Schools: What Families Need to Know

Both communities are served by the Huron Valley Schools district, one of the larger districts in Oakland County. The district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement programs, STEM initiatives, and a range of extracurricular activities.

Milford High School and Lakeland High School serve the area's secondary students, and both schools have active athletics, arts, and academic programs. For families, the school system is often one of the top factors in their decision to move to the area. As with any large district, individual school performance can vary, so I always recommend that buyers research specific schools and, if possible, visit them before making a decision. For a broader look at school quality across the region, check our Mid-Michigan best school districts guide.

The Outdoorsy Lifestyle: Why People Move Here

When I talk to buyers who've chosen Milford or Highland, the lifestyle is almost always the deciding factor. These are communities where you can start your morning with a trail run, spend your afternoon kayaking on a lake, and end your day at a locally owned restaurant in downtown Milford — all without getting on a highway.

The seasonal rhythm here is especially appealing. Spring brings blooming trails and fishing opener. Summer means lake days, outdoor concerts, and farmers markets. Fall foliage in Oakland County's parks is spectacular, and the communities host harvest festivals and seasonal events. Winter transforms the trail system into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination.

For buyers relocating from the denser suburbs — or from out of state entirely — the combination of natural beauty, community events, and a pace of life that feels genuinely balanced is what seals the deal. These communities aren't just places to live; they're places to be.

What to Know Before You Buy

If Milford or Highland is on your radar, here are a few practical considerations:

Lakefront comes with rules: Michigan's Inland Lakes and Streams regulations, along with local ordinances, govern what you can and can't do on lakefront property. If you're buying waterfront, make sure you understand dock permits, setbacks, and riparian rights.
Well and septic: Some properties in Highland Township, particularly on larger lots, may be served by private wells and septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer. Your inspection should include thorough evaluation of both systems.
Commute considerations: While the lifestyle is excellent, Milford and Highland are further from major employment centers in Troy, Auburn Hills, and downtown Detroit. Commute times can range from 30–50+ minutes depending on your destination, so plan accordingly.
Community involvement is part of the deal: Like many Oakland County communities, Milford and Highland reward residents who participate. Attend a festival, shop downtown, join a trail association — it's the best way to make the community feel like home. For more on this, read about community involvement in Mid-Michigan.

Explore More Oakland County Guides

I've created detailed guides for several other Oakland County communities. Take a look:

Let's Find Your Perfect Spot

Whether you're drawn to Milford's trail-connected downtown, Highland's lakefront living, or the equestrian lifestyle on Highland's rural acreage, I'd love to help you explore what these communities have to offer. Every buyer has different priorities, and I take the time to understand yours before we start looking at homes.

Schedule a consultation, reach out at 810-513-3335, or visit my contact page. I'll bring the local knowledge — you just bring your wish list.

Milford and Highland: Oakland County's Lake and Trail Country